The U.S. unemployment rate fell to its lowest level in more than 3½ years in September as the economy continued to add jobs, a potential boost for President Barack Obama’s campaign to win a second term. The politically important unemployment rate fell to 7.8% last month from 8.1% in August. That was the lowest level since January 2009.

U.S. payrolls, obtained in a separate survey of employers, increased by a seasonally adjusted 114,000 jobs last month, the Labor Department said Friday. Economists surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires expected a gain of 118,000 in payrolls and an 8.1% jobless rate.

Herman Cain, the Republican presidential candidate, avoids carefully calibrated talking points. “If you don’t have a job and you’re not rich, blame yourself,” he said in a Wall Street Journal interview. Beneath Mr. Cain’s blunt words lurks an economic hypothesis: that there’s nothing much government policy can do to bring unemployment down from today’s 9.1% rate. That most of the 14 million jobless are not qualified for available jobs or won’t move. That the 9.3 million involuntarily working part-time aren’t looking hard enough or aren’t suited to full-time work. And that offering unemployment benefits for as long as 99 weeks does more harm than good because it makes the unemployed too picky. WSJ’s David Wessel breaks down the two theories experts are using to try and explain the unemployment problem. Download MP3

Most music lovers have abandoned cassettes. The Oxford English Dictionary says it is removing the term “cassette player” from its Concise dictionary. Sony says it stopped shipments of its Walkman cassette player in Japan earlier this year. But cassette devotees say that tapes are underappreciated. They see cassettes following in the shadows of their analog brethren, vinyl records, which are currently enjoying a renaissance. WSJ’s Lauren Rudser talks about the comeback of magnetic tape. Download MP3

Today’s May jobs report was as bad (or worse) than expected by most economists. Most economists that is, except for University of Maryland Professor Peter Morici, who predicted bad news earlier this morning, and says that the Administration’s lackluster economic policies are largely to blame for this reverse in fortune. Download MP3

We know that hiring isn’t robust at many of America’s companies, but there is a growing number of freelance jobs to be had. Regina Lewis of DailyFinance.com tells us how to get one, and what pitfalls to watch out for.Download MP3

What happened to all the trash talk? Gordon’s Jets, who couldn’t stop bad mouthing the Patriots last week, are suddenly acting like choirboys leading up to their AFC Championship Game match-up against the Pittsburgh Steelers. WSJ’s Jason Gay tells us why he thinks Rex Ryan and crews have dusted off the cliche machine this week. Download MP3

Also…WSJ’s Sara Murray tells us why yesterday’s better than expected unemployment numbers are a hopeful sign for the snail-like recovery from the recession. Download MP3

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Attention Job seekers, you may want to take another look at your resume. Social networking site Linkedin has compiled the top ten overused and old buzzwords that will not get you noticed by prospective employers. WSJTM’s Mike Salvatorelli talks about the words and phrases that shouldn’t be in your resume.

Also check out Gordon’s interview with WSJ’s Ben Casselman, who talks about an aging problem with oil rigs that nobody is talking about. Download MP3

As the holiday season ramps up, many Americans are facing the prospect of losing their unemployment benefits. WSJ’s Sara Murray tells us why the lame duck session of Congress is unlikely to extend unemployment for the two million affected workers before it lapses two weeks from now. Download MP3

You’re either a talker, or your not. Once you figure out which one you are, how then do you co-exist in a relationship with someone who doesn’t share you penchant (or lack thereof) for chatting? WSJ’s Elizabeth Bernstein has some tips. Download MP3

Typically, the stock market does just fine in August, but every now and then, the month’s evil twin shows up. Given how nervous investors have become about the risk of deflation or renewed recession, they are beginning to worry about which version of August they will get this year. Download Audio

Arizona’s controversial immigration law now has a new opponent…the federal government. WSJ legal reporter Ashby Jones gives us the lowdown. Download MP3

Is extending unemployment benefits a good thing or a bad thing for the country in the long run? WSJ’s Sara Murray has posed this questions to a myriad of experts, and the answers (as you might imagine) have been mixed. Download MP3

With cameras and microphones everywhere these days, it’s becoming increasingly easy for everyone (not just public figures) to put their foot in the mouth. WSJ’s Jeff Zaslow explores some of the more high profile recent cases, and has some tips on how to keep our mouths free of feet. Download MP3

About WSJ This Morning

Wake up with America’s first news – The Wall Street Journal This Morning. Host Gordon Deal and news anchor Gina Cervetti go beyond the headlines with the day’s first look at news and business news from the U.S. and around the world; bringing a lively blend of intelligent information, humor, and expert analysis to morning radio.

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Biographies

Gordon Deal Before taking the helm at The Wall Street Journal This Morning in November 2005, Gordon was well-known to New York City radio listeners, having worked at both WINS-AM and WCBS-AM where he honed his writing skills and developed his distinctive on-air reporting style. He also served as New York City bureau chief for Metro Networks where his reports aired on WOR-AM and WABC-AM.

Gina Cervetti has an extensive radio news anchoring and reporting background including several years at Boston NPR affiliate WBUR-FM where she anchored the local production of "All Things Considered" and "Here and Now." Gina is an Associated Press Award-winning broadcaster, whose reports have been heard all over New England, including WRKO Boston and WTAG Worcester. She graduated from Boston University.

Mike Gavin oversees the production of the show which includes coordinating segments with WSJ reporters, editors, and outside newsmakers. He also oversees the sound and content of the show including all music and sound elements. Mike had spent a decade in radio programming and production before finding a home at WSJ Radio in 2007. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife and son.